When Jean got back to Cotton Ridge, one of the first people she spotted was Alfred, the village guard. She approached him, giving him a wave.
“Ah, hello Adventurer. I wasn’t sure if we’d see you again. Most new adventurers that don’t return the same day never make it back,” Alfred said.
“Ran into a little trouble. Your advice about returning to the village before dark was sound, but I made a new friend and stayed at her place. You know Ester Longshaft?”
“I do. A good woman, as is her husband. You were lucky to run into her.”
“Actually, she was the lucky one. She was being attacked by a pack of wolves, and I was able to help her.”
Alfred frowned. “A wolf pack? How large? And how far from the Longshaft place?”
“Eight, and not far.”
“Hmm, I’m surprised you were that far out, but all’s well that ends well. You should inform the mayor about the wolves when you turn in your pelts.”
“I shall. But first, can you tell me where to find Jorgen Munch?”
“Third building on the left, the one with the blue tile roof,” Alfred said.
“Thanks, Alfred,” Jean said before making her way to Jorgen’s shop.
When Jean entered the shop, she was impressed by the variety of goods on display.
A tall man with short cropped dark hair, sprinkled with streaks of silver, came to the counter. “Hello. What can I do for you?”
An old hand at negotiations, Jean smiled. “Hello, are you Jorgen? A friend of mine, Ester, suggested I come see you.”
“Yes, I am Jorgen Munch, and any friend of Ester is welcome here.”
“Excellent, my name is Jean by the way.”
“A pleasure, Jean. What can I help you with?”
Jean pulled out her throwing knife, flipped it so that she was holding it by the blade, and handed it to Jorgen. “I was hoping to upgrade my throwing blade, and I need more than one.”
Jorgen nodded as he examined the blade. He then pointed to her bandoliers. “You’d like to fill them?”
“Yes.”
“How do you find the weight of your current blade?”
“A little light for distance throws,” Jean said.
Jorgen raised an eyebrow.
Jean smiled. “I’m stronger than I look.”
Jorgen laughed. “I have no doubt of that. I’m just not used to ladies who prefer a heavier blade. But if you are using your blades for distance throws, a heavier blade makes sense. I have a few options in stock, and I can make the rest within a day.” He then stepped away from the counter and went into a back room. A minute later he came back. He placed several weapons on the counter.
Two were longer blades, one looked like a kukri, a recurved blade, the other was a more traditional one and the last one was a classic throwing knife similar to the one Ester had shown her. “I have some other knives, but these are the best that will fit your needs and likely your budget.”
Jean picked up the first of the large blades. It was similar in shape to the famous bowie knives, but with almost no quillons, the guard pieces where the handle meets the blade, and at the pommel. The knife had a perfectly balanced weight and had a pattern on the blade that reminded her of Damascus steel. “You use different types of metals together in your blades?”
Jorgen raised an eyebrow. “You know blacksmithing?”
Jean shook her head. “Not so much, but I’ve seen blades like this before where I’m from. Their reputation is excellent.”
Jorgen smiled. “I learned the technique from my master. He was from the Isle of Sucamad. They have a unique way of making metals there, that make for stronger blades. Many of the locals here won’t buy my blades because they aren’t traditional to the local way, but I know my blades are better.”
Jean wanted to laugh, but she was afraid her laughter would be interpreted wrong. The makers of this game had a creative way of using historical weapons and bringing it into the fantasy world. The reversal of the word Damascus to Sucamad, told her all she needed to know about the blade’s quality. “I have no doubt that they are.”
“You can find blades that have been imbued with magical properties that are better, but for simple high-quality blades, I will put mine against any you can find within a thousand miles.”
Putting down the bowie style knife, Jean picked up the next large blade. It was a kukri, a recurved blade that was an excellent slashing weapon, but also could be used as a throwing weapon. She admired the blade, but put it aside. It didn’t interest her as much as the other weapons. The next weapon was a classic throwing blade. The throwing knife was twelve inches long, but only the last four inches were sharp. The rest of the blade was rounded off so you could grasp it in your hand safely. Again, the blade was perfectly balanced. These would be the mainstay of her throwing knife collection.
The next two weapons were not actually throwing knives at all. The first one looked more like a double-sided stake. Jean knew a little about the weapon. It was heavier than a normal knife, and while it was useless as a slashing weapon, the heavy weight and pointed tip was perfect for attacking someone wearing armor. “What do you call this one?”
“It is a torpedo. An adventurer had me design it for him. Once I realized how effective it could be in combat, I started making more. Although, very few people have purchased one. Most customers prefer the knives.”
“I’m not most customers. I will want two of these,” Jean said.
Jorgen nodded in approval.
The last weapon on the counter was one anyone who’d watched a movie with ninjas in it would recognize, the throwing star.
The throwing star was four points, and 5 inches in diameter. She didn’t have any experience with the weapons, but she knew how effective they could be. The throwing stars wouldn’t fit into the bandoliers she’d made, but she could simply make a new pouch for storing the throwing stars.
“OK. I like everything but the kukri.”
“Kukri?” Jorgen asked.
“The curved blade. That is what they are called where I’m from.”
“Ah, I see. They are called Rikuks here.”
Of course they are , Jean thought. Her opinion of the game developers’ creativity dropped slightly as she started to see a pattern in the weapons naming.
“What do you charge for the other blades?” Jean asked.
“The Jimbow knives are four silver, and the throwing knives are three silver. But if you want to buy the throwing knives in bulk, I will cut you a deal. Twelve throwing blades for twenty-four silver. The throwing stars are four silver.”
Jean frowned. Her coin collection was about to take a beating. Luckily, she still had her quest rewards to collect. “In that case I’ll take a dozen of the throwing knives, and two Jimbow knives.”
“Make it four Jimbow knives and I’ll throw in two of the torpedoes for free,” Jorgen said.
“Four Jimbow knives, two torpedoes and a proper skinning knife.”
“Four Jimbow knives, a skinning knife and two torpedoes,” Jorgen repeated with a nod.
Jean sighed. She was getting taken to the cleaners, and couldn’t say no. “Deal.”
Congratulations, you have learned the skill: Negotiator. Next time try bargaining with someone who doesn’t have a higher level of this skill than you.
“I will need some time to make more of the throwing knives,” Jorgen said.
“How long will it take?”
Jorgen scratched his chin. “I can have them finished for tomorrow night.”
“I can pay half now and half on delivery,” Jean said.
Jorgen took her coins and dismissed her as he began the process of making the throwing knives.
Jean was itching to fill the bandoliers she’d made with Ester with high quality weapons and while her coin pouch was dangerously low, she now had far superior weaponry for when she found the people holding sweet little Sarah.
Jean left the shop and went to find Mayor Joor. She would need the coins he would pay her for the rabbit pelts. After asking several villagers, she found the mayor in the inn, having a late lunch.
“Mayor Joor?” Jean asked as she approached the table.
The portly man wiped his chin, “Yes?”
“Good Afternoon. My name is Jean. Yesterday I accepted a quest for rabbit pelts. I would like my reward.”
“You must be a new adventurer? Welcome to Cotton Ridge. We appreciate your help with the infestation. Terrible little buggers, aren’t they?” he said as he motioned for Jean to join him. “Would you like some lunch? I believe the special is Rabbit Stew.”
Jean smirked at the comment, “Thank you. Rabbit stew sounds delicious.”
Mayor Joor glanced up surprised. “You’re not opposed to eating cute bunnies? That is a first for adventurers.”
“No sir. I grew up on rabbit meat. Very lean and tasty, when cooked right.”
“Yes, I would agree. My favorite is pan fried with butter and herbs, so the meat is nice and crunchy on the outside and juicy inside.”
Jean laughed at the mayor’s passion for food.
“Yes, that is a favorite of mine as well. Will the cook indulge me?” Jean asked.
“Yes. I believe he will. Let’s get two orders!” the Mayor said as he waved over the server.
After ordering the food and two apple ciders, Mayor Joor took a good look at Jean.
“Your levels and skills are impressive. How long have you been an adventurer?”
“This is my second day,” Jean replied honestly.
“Second day? My, that is remarkable. How many rabbit pelts do you have?” he questioned.
“I had twenty-three, but I used three of them for my bandolier,” Jean stated.
“Your clothing looks very new. I don’t think three rabbit pelts would stretch that far,” Mayor Joor questioned.
“No. The rest was made from wolf pelts,” Jean smiled.
“Wolf? By God, you killed wolves on your first day?” the Mayor said, astonished. “I hope we don’t have a wolf problem now too.”
“I did have help. And I didn’t come out of it unscathed,” Jean said while she absently rubbed her leg.
“Remarkable,” the man said thoughtfully. “Tell me Jean, what other talents do you have?”
“Excuse me?” Jean answered coldly. She would not tolerate any sexual innuendos, in the game or in real life.
Mayor Joor looked taken aback. “I’m sorry if I offended you. It is just that I have a situation that requires someone with a particular set of skills.” He looked around uncomfortably. “You aren’t from here so you may have a new perspective or insight. If my hunch is right?”
“Perhaps you should explain the situation,” Jean said as the server delivered their food and drinks.
“Yes, thank you. Bonne Appetite,” he said as he raised his glass.
Jean raised an eyebrow at the mayor’s use of a French term. Was one of the cultures based on the French, or had he encountered an adventurer with a French background? She listened to Mayor Joor explain that in the recent months someone had set fire to their crops, just before harvest. The village was reliant on the crops to feed their animals and families. Everyone was blaming the Mayor for not finding who was responsible. Now, short on stock, the village was having to buy their grain from outside the area. Supply and demand had made the prices inflated and Mayor Joor was at a loss to save his reputation and his people.
Jean sat back and thought for a few moments before settling into her ‘lawyer mode’.
“I believe I can help, but I don’t work for free,” Jean explained.
“Yes, I understand. I can offer you a quest,” Mayor Joor said hastily.
Mayor Joor has offered you a quest. Restore his reputation and resolve grain issues in exchange for 5 gold coins.
Jean accepted the quest and sat forward in her chair, pushing the empty plate from her lunch to the side.
“Who have you been buying grain from?” Jean questioned. She knew that whoever was benefitting the most from the situation was probably to blame.
“The village of Sweet Water is where we buy it from, more specifically it is Mr. Bertran Booth,” Mayor Joor answered.
“When will the next shipment arrive?” Jean responded.
“Every second Thursday, so tomorrow morning.”
“Excellent. I will meet the delivery and re-negotiate your contract. What are you paying for the grain?” Jean said confidently.
Mayor Joor shifted uncomfortably in his chair. “We are paying 4 silver per bag.”
Jean raised her eyebrows, “And what would a fair and equitable rate be?”
“One silver,” the mayor answered, looking ashamed.
Jean rolled her eyes, “Do you have any other surplus stock that you could offer, in trade, to lower the price?”
“Rabbit meat and pelts?” the mayor said hopefully.
“Done. Does Mr. Booth deliver the goods himself?” Jean asked as an afterthought.
“Yes. I don’t think he would trust anyone else to carry that amount of silver.”
Jean smiled and nodded. Negotiations would be easier without a middleman. “Excellent. I will meet with you tomorrow after the delivery. Should I transfer the rabbit pelts to you now?” Jean asked as she stood up. The Mayor nodded and thanked Jean for her help.
You have completed a quest. +100 exp
20 silver coins have been added to your inventory.
You also received 13 silver coins for the additional hides.
Congrats, you have reached Level 5.
Knowing Level 5 required more thought than normal, Jean dismissed her stats to finish her conversation with the mayor. “My pleasure. Thank you for lunch. It was delicious,” Jean said kindly as she left the inn.
Jean stood on the steps of the inn, contemplating the rest of her afternoon. She considered hunting rabbits but, in the end, decided to forage for the items needed for her healing potion. It wouldn’t hurt to have an extra potion or two for her travels. She would need a couple jars for holding the completed potions. Jean turned left and headed towards the General Store.
The bell overhead rang as Jean pushed open the door to the store. She took a moment to adjust to the darker interior and then proceeded to look around. The store had an interesting selection of fabrics, food, weapons, tools and household items for sale. She selected three glass jars with cork stoppers and set them on the front counter. Moving to the display of spices and food, she grabbed a bag of salt, a selection of mixed herbs, flour, sugar, lard and a pound of coffee. She was happy to see that this fantasy world had coffee. She probably would have murdered someone if it didn’t. Jean looked at the rest of her purchases with care. She didn’t want to be reliant on anyone as she travelled and having her own food and supplies, she could camp anywhere. Thankful for her magical bag of holding to carry everything, she also picked out a kettle, a mug, and a frying pan.
Jean added the items onto the front counter.
“Can I help you find anything else?” a man crouched behind the counter asked.
“Hello!” Jean said, surprised by the man’s voice. “I am doing fine, thanks.”
Jean wandered over to the weapons and admired the variety. She was comfortable with the hatchet and knives she had, but it was interesting to see what was available. Jean grabbed a hatchet that was in a leather scabbard and had a good look at it. She had some time this afternoon, she could do some throwing practice. She gave a few practice swings to get a feel for the hatchet’s weight.
“That’s a nice choice, but not one I would recommend for you,” the man behind the counter said as he stood up.
“Oh? Why is that?” Jean said defensively.
“The way you’re holding it. You look like you intend to use it as a throwing weapon.”
“I do,” Jean confirmed.
The man smiled again. “I have a better axe in the back that I think you would like. Would you like to see it?” the man said.
“Sure,” Jean replied.
He disappeared into the back and returned with an elegant yet deadly looking tomahawk axe.
“Don’t let her fool you. She is beautiful but deadly,” he smiled.
Jean rolled her eyes and looked at the weapon. It was thinner and lighter than she expected, but not so much that it would affect her ability to use it as a throwing weapon. She admired the designs carved into the wood handle.
“May I?” Jean said as she reached for the axe.
He handed it over to her and Jean tried a few swings, and put it in one of the loop holes she’d made in her belt for such weapons. Her new knives that she was getting from Jorgen would be her primary throwing weapons, but the axe was a weapon that she could use for both melee and throwing. This could be a nice upgrade from her original axe.
“May I?” the man asked as he stepped in closer.
Jean looked at him. He was tanned with bright green eyes and salt and pepper hair. He was clean cut and well-muscled. She smelled a hint of sandalwood soap coming from his body. Jean shook her head; she hadn’t looked at a man like that in a long time.
“Yes, thank you,” Jean said as she turned so he could adjust the straps that wrapped around her thighs and waist. A couple times his warm hands grazed her hips and her body tingled with pleasure. Feeling uncomfortable with her body’s reaction, she stepped away from him and wondered if it was a part of the game world.
“You should be able to get the axe out quicker, and it will stay in position better when you are running now,” the man said kindly. “My name is Elton. What is yours?”
“Jean.”
“Nice to meet you. This axe has been imbued with magic so that it can fly further. Would you like to test it out?”
Jean considered it and agreed.
“Let me put a sign on the door that I’m out. There is a target out back for you to practice on,” Elton said as he moved away from her.
Jean tried to resist, but she watched as he walked away. Just as she suspected, she found herself admiring the length of his legs and his narrow waist as her eyes travelled up and down his body. Get a grip Jean, she thought to herself.
Elton walked back towards her and gestured to the door heading out back. “Go ahead. I will be out shortly.”
Jean took a deep breath as she went outside. It was overcast but bright. She allowed her eyes to adjust. There was a wall of hay bales and three targets set up. She felt the weight of the axe and admired the design. She moved the axe from hand to hand and tested the sharpness of the blade.
When Elton came out, Jean was feeling on edge. She should be working her way to Sarah, not shopping.
“How is it?” Elton asked.
“I like the feel of it. But to be honest, I have never used a magical weapon before.”
“It is just like a regular axe but when you focus your energy or mana into the blade it has extra ability. This axe was empowered for throwing long distances. Pick a target or object that you think would be out of range,” Elton suggested as he took the axe back from Jean.
“The fence post, out past the targets,” Jean said.
Elton held the axe and focused on the target before he released it. Good technique, Jean thought as she watched the axe fly straight and true. It sunk into the fence post with a satisfying clunk, almost splitting the post in half.
“Wow,” Jean said.
“Yes, it is impressive,” Elton said before he jogged out to retrieve the axe. Jean spent the time picking several other targets to try throwing the axe at, mostly so she didn’t stare at Elton.
“Your turn,” he said as he handed the axe to her.
“Thanks,” Jean said as she planted her feet. Before she could react, he had moved behind her and was making some adjustments to her posture. The closeness of his body made her feel distracted and dizzy. To her shock, Jean giggled. It was hilarious to her that a nearly sixty-year-old woman in a game world could feel like a teenager again.
“What’s so funny?” Elton asked curiously.
“Nothing, I was just thinking,” Jean mumbled trying to gain some control over herself. Never in the history of working as a corporate lawyer had she ever giggled or took notice of the men she dealt with. Jean thought her uncontrolled reaction must be a characteristic of her race. Frustrated, she eyed up the target she had picked and let it loose. It flew straight but only landed halfway to the target.
“What the…” Jean said, confused.
“OK, this time think about the speed and distance you want the axe to go,” Elton said as he stepped away.
Jean did better when his presence was no longer distracting her. After a dozen attempts, Jean had made some improvements. Elton had continued to be encouraging and helpful. When Jean walked forward to retrieve the axe, she felt Elton’s eyes on her. Oh God, did he feel mine when I was checking him out? she thought to herself. Jean felt herself blushing as she wondered how she looked in her leggings.
“I think you’ve got the hang of it. I need to get back to the store. Take your time and when you are ready, I will have your goods ready for you,” Elton said with a warm smile.
“Thanks,” Jean smiled back as she looked into his eyes. Did I just flirt? Jean thought. She resolved to hit the same target that Elton had hit before she went back into the store. It took a solid hour of practice but when she heard the satisfying sound of the axe in the target, she was pleased. It hadn’t been a waste of time. She had found a new weapon and learned a new skill.
Congratulations! You have earned the skill: imbued blades. Use mana to alter your throws.
Satisfied with her progress, Jean went back inside. Elton was behind the counter filling candy dishes.
“How’d you do?” he asked as she set the hatchet on the counter.
“Excellent. I will take it, and a flint and bedroll please,” Jean said with enthusiasm.
“Going on an adventure?” Elton asked while he grabbed the items.
“Yes.”
“Do you need a shelter? We can get some pretty crazy weather around here,” he asked as he pointed to a small tent.
“I’ll take it, thanks for the suggestion,” Jean replied.
“Can I ask you a question?” he said as he folded his arms on the counter.
“Mmm hmm?” Jean said as she admired his forearms.
“What are you doing for dinner?”
Jean smiled. Did I just get asked out for a date? she thought before she answered.
“I have several errands to do now, and I have some research to do later tonight.”
“Can I cook for you? I’d love to hear about your upcoming adventure. Maybe I can help with your research. What does it involve?” Elton said with sincere eyes.
“I need information on a Mr. Bertran Booth,” Jean said.
“That conniving crook? Why?” Elton asked.
“Do you know him?” Jean said, going into investigator mode.
“Of course. I run a store,” Elton said as he swept his arms wide. “I am forced to buy some of my goods from him. He has been involved with some shady characters lately and is causing a lot of us hardship.”
Jean narrowed her eyes. “What do you mean by ‘shady’?”
“No offense to you adventurers but some of you form guilds and do terrible things. Bertran has been linked to a guild that goes by the name of the Black Wolf.”
Jean raised her eyebrows. It hadn’t been a waste of her time to be out shopping after all. This is just what she needed to learn to help rescue Sarah.
The bell above the door rang and Elton greeted his customer.
“How about we meet later for dinner and I will tell you what I know?” Elton said with a smile and a touch of her hand. “Here at 7 pm?”
Jean nodded and started to walk out. Her mind was racing with questions to ask when she returned.
“Jean?”
She turned, “Yes?”
“I’m going to have to ask you to pay for your things,” Elton said with laughter in his eyes.
“Can I pick them up later?” she said.
He nodded, acknowledging the customer trying to get his attention.
“Except these, I need them,” Jean said as she scooped up the glass bottles. She tossed several silver coins on the table and left. She hadn’t asked how much she owed but Elton seemed OK with the coins. She would probably have to wait until her quest was completed before she could settle her debt. She wondered how much a magic tomahawk was going to cost. She wouldn't mind overpaying if Elton’s information proved helpful.
Jean strode out of the village and went foraging for the plants she needed to make her health potions. She discovered Nora had been right, the plants weren’t hard to find. Jean used her lucky rabbit foot to pick up the magical pollen out of the flower. Then she sat down in the field to make the potions. She had found a flat rock to do the cutting and chopping on. It took a little longer than she liked because she needed to be careful not to dull her knife. When the plants had been cut into small pieces, she placed them in her new containers. She shook the magic pollen in, recanted the spell and added water from her canteen.
You have successfully produced healing potions. Useful for all manner of injury of sickness. +20 exp
Jean placed her potions in her bag and looked around for a place to practice her throwing knives. The light was fading but she wanted to make sure she improved on her skills. She might need it tomorrow.
Jean picked a series of trees at various distances from her and started practicing throwing her weapons. She worked on her accuracy and speed of getting her weapons out.
Congratulations Adventurer you have increased your knife and axe throwing skill to level 3. +1 to str. Strength won’t make you more accurate but it will make the blades feel less cumbersome.
The light had faded. Jean glanced around and turned toward the village. It would be time to meet Elton soon and she wanted to make sure she was prepared with her list of questions.
On the walk back to the village Jean saw a rabbit dart out to her right. She reached for her knife and threw it.
“Ha! Dinner!” Jean said excitedly as she saw the knife bury into the rabbit’s side. She was rushed into the throw but was very happy with the increase to her speed and accuracy. Jean skinned and looted the rabbit. She hated to show up empty handed to a dinner; now she was ready. Jean strode confidently through the village center. She saw that most businesses had closed, and the villagers were heading home. It was peaceful. In comparison to the constant stress of living in Vancouver, this little village appealed to Jean. Maybe I’ll find something like this to retire in someday, she mused.
Jean climbed the stairs to Elton’s General Store. She was just about to push open the door when Elton opened it for her.
Elton smiled. “I’m glad you came back!”
“I hope you like rabbit,” Jean said.
“I hope you like potatoes and greens.”
Jean couldn’t help but smile. “Sounds great. How can I help?”
Elton turned and motioned for Jean to follow, “I have an apartment upstairs. Can you cook on a wood stove?”
Jean remembered her family’s cabin with fondness, “Yes. I grew up on a farm. The wood stove was the center of our life. Heat, food and a whole lot of work.”
“It is a lot of work to cut and stack the wood and maintain the chimney but there is nothing like the crackle of good fire. I prefer to cook outdoors under the stars, but village life is more stable and comfortable,” Elton said as they walked up the stairs together.
“I haven’t slept under the stars in a long time,” Jean said quietly. She was thinking about her life in the city and how hard she had been working. Perhaps this was the reminder she needed to make time for the simple things in life. But first, Jean needed to stay focused on her quest and find Sarah. Shaking her head to focus, Jean began her line of questioning to Elton.
“How long have you been here?”
“Going on five years now. You?” Elton countered.
“One day. What made you open a store?”
“Stability, and I like meeting people and helping my community. Why are you buying supplies?”
“I have a quest. What is your relationship with Mayor Joor?”
“He is the mayor of my community and sometimes we share recipes. What is your relationship?” Elton said as he took the rabbit from Jean’s hand.
“I just met him, we had lunch. How would you characterize Mayor Joor?” Jean continued.
Elton washed the rabbit, folded it into a cast iron pan, drizzled oil and sprinkled salt over it and then set it on top of the stove. The rabbit sizzled.
“Is this how it’s going to be?” Elton asked as he pulled two large potatoes out of a basket.
“Pardon?” Jean said as she analyzed the room and Elton’s body language.
“Am I going to be interrogated throughout dinner?” Elton said as he stared into Jean’s eyes.
“Sorry Elton, but I don’t have a lot of time. I have a quest and then after that I need to find my granddaughter,” Jean said stiffly.
“OK, I understand but you had time for lunch with Mayor Joor and you had time to have pie and coffee with my friends outside of town. Could you grant me the same? I promise I will answer all of your questions.”
Jean was surprised. “How did you know about the farm?”
“Word travels fast. And I buy eggs and meat from Antor, you made quite an impression,” Elton said as he smiled at Jean and let his eyes wander over her.
Jean realized he was right; she was a guest, and she was being rude.
“I will wash and cut up the greens,” Jean said as her truce.
Elton prepared the potatoes and placed them in the fire to roast. He turned the rabbit over and added more herbs, oil and salt. Jean chopped up the greens he had sitting on the counter and placed them in a large bowl.
“So, tell me more about your quest and I will see how I can help,” Elton said as they sat down to wait for the dinner to cook.
“My quest is to renegotiate the grain contract with Mr. Bertran Booth,” Jean admitted.
“And hopefully restore the Mayor’s reputation before the villagers kick him out of office,” Elton added.
“Essentially, yes.”
“I assume you know that our fields were burnt down just before harvest?” Elton asked.
“Yes, and nobody knows who did it,” Jean added.
“Oh, we know who did it, we just can’t get at them,” Elton said with a shake of his head. “They are the Black Wolf Guild and they have infiltrated many of the villages and businesses in these parts.”
Jean nodded. It was similar to the gangs back home. Everyone knew the gangs had bought up many businesses and were using them to run drugs and guns, but they had infiltrated too deeply into communities. It was hard to get them out.
“I believe my granddaughter is being held by the same group. She is a slave at a gold mine. I am on my way to get her out.”
Elton raised his eyebrows. “You plan on taking them on by yourself?”
“I just need to get my granddaughter to a safer place. I don’t need to take on a whole guild,” Jean said reasonably.
“I’m sorry to hear about your granddaughter but if she is anything like you, she may not need to be rescued as much as you think,” Elton said as he checked on their food. “As for Mr. Booth, he will have a few of the guild members with him tomorrow. They are well trained and outfitted with good weapons. Bertran relies on them. He is a crook and an excellent liar, but he isn’t a fighter. If it is a re-negotiation that you want, you will have to dispose of his guards first. He won’t expect it and he will be much more reasonable in negotiations if he fears for his life.”
“No problem,” Jean said with confidence.
“Would you be opposed to me joining you? I wouldn’t mind renegotiating a contract with him as well,” Elton asked as he pulled the rabbit off the stove.
Jean thought it over for a few moments. She wanted to be on her way as fast as possible, it would be easier if she had some help.
“Sure, but I can’t share the reward with you. I owe the general store for supplies,” Jean said lightly.
Elton laughed heartily. “That you do. You never even asked how much the magic hatchet was.”
“Well, I assume you will be fair and honest in your business dealings,” Jean replied. “Which reminds me, I ordered several knives from Jorgen Munch but I’m not due to pick them up until tomorrow night. Any chance you have some knives I could borrow?”
“If you ordered the knives from Jorgen today, he will be working on them through the night. In fact, I would wager a guess that he has already finished them. We could walk over after dinner and see?” Elton suggested as he plated their meal.
“Really? That would be great. I don’t like going into a negotiation ill prepared,” Jean replied as she nodded her thanks for the plate.
“Enough business talk, tell me more about growing up on the farm,” Elton said.
Jean enjoyed the rest of their meal. They shared stories about growing up and their life experiences. It was a nice distraction from worrying about Sarah. When they finished the meal and had cleaned up, Elton totaled up her supplies and helped her pack them in the bag of holding. They had come to an agreement that she could pay Elton after the quest. She would owe him one gold coin for the supplies.
As Jean stepped outside Elton’s store she was surprised by the stars. The last two nights she had been inside or distracted and hadn’t noticed them.
“Pretty aren’t they?” Elton said as he locked the door and then stood beside her.
“Yes. Living in the city, you don’t get to see them like this. I had forgotten how incredible the stars are,” Jean said quietly. She was looking at the stars and wondering if Sarah was staring at them as well.
“I can see Jorgen’s light is still on. Let’s go see how your knives are coming along.”
Jean walked beside Elton. It was quiet and dark. Neither of them felt the need to say anything. When they approached Jorgen’s shop Elton knocked on the door two times and let himself in. Jean followed and had a closer look around as the two friends greeted each other.
“I am working on the last one. You can take them, but they won’t be as pretty as if you left them. I had hoped to add some decorative designs and special handles,” Jorgen said as he hammered the metal.
“Utility is fine, as long as they feel good in my hand and are sharp,” Jean said with confidence.
“Go ahead and have a look at the ones that are completed. You can throw them in that corner. I have a target set up,” Jorgen told Jean.
Jean took the blades and looked them over. Even unfinished, they were beautiful and perfectly weighted. Jean threw them all at the target and was impressed. “Ester was right. These are great quality. Thank you,” Jean said sincerely.
Jean continued to practice with the knives while Jorgen finished the last blade. She hadn’t checked her stats or levels all day and she was curious where she was at. She knew she gained skills by doing them and then the levels increased the more she practiced. She should have made some gains since yesterday.
When Jorgen handed her the last knife, Jean transferred the last of her coin to him. She would be grateful for her quest reward. She didn’t like being broke.
“Good night gentlemen. Thank you for the dinner Elton. I will meet with you in the morning,” Jean said as she turned and walked out the door. She wanted to logout and check in with Megan and David. She felt just a little bit guilty for leaving so abruptly but she didn’t want to get too distracted. She wanted time to prepare for tomorrow’s quest. But first she needed to deal with her stats sheet. The experience from her quest had pushed her to level 5. Opening her display, Jean looked at her options.
You have reached Level 5! You may now choose a class. You have opened three classes.
Tradeswoman: All crafting skills learned 20% faster. +1 to Int, +1 Wisdom
Blood Assassin: Use stealth and ruthless bloodlust to kill all that stand in your way. +1 to Blood Magic, +1 weapon skills, +1 Agility
Natural Born Leader: Leadership and communication get you farther than skill alone. +1 to Charisma, +2 to the health of all members of groups led by you. +1 Intelligence.
Jean read all of the choices carefully. If she’d been playing the game for a source of entertainment she might’ve taken the Tradeswoman skill as she did enjoy that aspect of the game. However, she wasn’t here for her own entertainment. At first glance Blood Assassin seemed the logical choice as it gave the most to her individual fighting skills, but Natural Born Leader would help Sarah when she found her. Trusting her instincts, Jean chose Natural Born Leader.